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Gerrard prepared for big run home

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard does not believe he has found his best form in the first half of the Premier League season.

The 32-year-old has made 28 appearances for the Reds in all competitions so far this season, scoring four, but has been critical of his performances, especially his goal scoring record. However, he is adamant that his form is improving as the season progresses.

"I've had mixed experiences this season," he told reporters.

"I've passed some unbelievable landmarks for club and country, getting to the 600 games mark and winning my 100th cap for England.

"But with the slow start we made and being where we have in the league it's been a bit mixed for me.

"There's my form as well. I've played well in some games but I've been disappointed with myself in others and I'm not happy with my goal tally at the moment.

"People's opinions, perceptions and the way they judge you changes when you get a goal.

"I think my performances are getting closer to where I want them to be so if I can add goals to those performances then maybe people will start saying the old Steven Gerrard is back."

This season the midfielder's performances have been more disciplined than in previous years, a fact the Reds skipper puts down to injuries around him rather than a new playing style he has been asked to adopt.

"I don't think the manager's asked me to do anything different in terms of the way he wants to me to perform," Gerrard told the Liverpool FC magazine.

"But because of certain injuries, situations that have happened to the team and formations that we've played, I've naturally played a little bit deeper.

"I've maybe gone into protection mode rather than playing the old Steven Gerrard way with the shackles off and going for the jugular.

"When you're one of the experienced players in the team, the team's more important than yourself and maybe I've sacrificed myself in certain games and tried to protect by playing deeper and be a controller with Joe (Allen).

"But now that Lucas is back he gives me the licence to get forward a lot more so hopefully I can add some goals to my performances.

"I've got the buzz that the team's improving and it's going to get better.

"I'm confident that come the end of the season I will be satisfied with myself and the team because I do believe we can finish the season really strong."